Amidst the catastrophic Air India AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, where a Boeing 787 Dreamliner plummeted shortly after takeoff, claiming 241 lives, one passenger miraculously survived. Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British businessman, was the sole survivor of the disaster.

Ramesh was seated in seat 11A, near the emergency exit. Initial reports indicated that he escaped through a broken emergency hatch. He recounted that the plane crashed with speed into a medical college hostel after appearing to stall mid-air. Following the crash, he found himself amidst the wreckage, his side of the plane having landed on the ground. Spotting an opening where the door had broken, he seized the opportunity and escaped.

Emerging from the crash site with burn injuries on his left arm, Ramesh's survival initially seemed inexplicable. However, recent reports shed light on the extraordinary circumstances that contributed to his miraculous escape. According to top sources, Ramesh landed in the narrow space between two buildings, where a significant amount of loose soil had been piled up. This fortuitous landing on the piled-up soil cushioned his fall, significantly reducing the impact and saving his life. Aviation experts have speculated that sitting next to an exit door significantly contributed to his survival.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh expressed disbelief at his survival. He recounted unbuckling himself from his seat and escaping, witnessing the tragic fate of others around him. Despite his own injuries, his primary concern was for his brother, who was also on the flight.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ramesh in the hospital, acknowledging the miraculous nature of his survival. Medical professionals treating Ramesh confirmed that he sustained injuries but was out of danger. Video footage showed him limping away from the crash site, his clothes smeared with blood and dirt, a testament to the trauma he had endured.

The crash site was a scene of devastation, with rescue workers diligently searching for missing persons and aircraft parts amidst the charred remains of the hostel. The focus of the investigation has now turned to determining the cause of the crash, with potential issues involving the engine's jet thrust, flaps, and landing gear being examined. The recovery of the black box is considered a crucial step forward in the investigation.